Prime Minister’s Journalism Award returns for ninth edition with expanded categories

Manama, May 31 (BNA): The Prime Minister’s Journalism Award has launched its ninth edition for 2025, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The award highlights the role of Bahraini journalism as a vital partner in the comprehensive development process under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Through its continued contributions, the national press has supported Bahrain’s ongoing progress and played an active role in advancing the goals of Bahrain’s Economic Vision, earning recognition for its commitment to public service and national development.

Established in 2016, the annual award reflects the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for Bahraini journalism and its vital role in national development. It encourages professional excellence in media and promotes the press’s role in constructive public discourse and in articulating the aspirations of society.

The award now includes ten categories: Best Column Award, Best Investigative Journalism Award, Best Journalistic Interview Award, Best Journalistic Photo Award, Best Newspaper Niche Page or Supplement Award, Best Press Institution’s Website or Electronic Account Award, Best Visual Journalistic Content (video) Award, Best Infographic Report Award, Best University Student Journalism Project Award, and 2024 Journalism Personality Award. The Journalism Personality Award is presented annually to a Bahraini journalist in recognition of outstanding contributions to national journalism.

The award aims to honour journalists and appreciate their contributions, encourage innovation across various journalistic formats, and foster healthy competition among media institutions to raise professional standards. It also seeks to inspire younger generations to build on national achievements and strive for creativity and excellence.

The expansion of the award categories reflects a broader vision to support digital journalism, encourage emerging talent, and promote academic engagement by including digital content, social media platforms, and student journalism projects. The award also aligns with Bahrain’s commitment to responsible journalism that upholds national identity, media ethics, and freedom of expression.

The award keeps pace with technological advancements in the media industry, including digital transformation and artificial intelligence applications. It reinforces the importance of professional development in journalism and recognises the role of academic institutions in preparing future media professionals.

Administered by a dedicated secretariat under the Ministry of Information, the Prime Minister’s Journalism Award continues to serve as a leading platform to celebrate journalistic excellence and promote innovation across Bahrain’s media sector.

The award is open to journalists and media institutions in Bahrain, as well as university students enrolled in journalism and media programmes. Entries must be published or produced in the year preceding the award ceremony. Each applicant may submit up to two entries per category, while journalism departments at Bahraini universities may nominate up to three student projects in the university category.

Submissions that have previously won other local or international awards are not eligible. If more than two entries are submitted by an individual or institution, only the first two received electronically will be considered. Applicants bear full responsibility for the accuracy and originality of their submissions.

M.A.